Drillers Assistant- Geotech
Aerotek
Posted Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Posting ID: JP-005989619
Job Description
The Driller’s Assistant supports a geotechnical drilling rig in the field, working closely with an experienced driller to complete subsurface investigations on primarily residential construction sites and other field locations. This role is physically demanding, involves long workdays outdoors in all weather conditions, and requires safe operation of vehicles and equipment, strong mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn the drilling trade with the goal of progressing into a driller role over time.
Responsibilities
- Arrive at the home base in Newburg, PA between approximately 5:45 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., depending on the job site location.
- Load materials, tools, and supplies onto the drilling rig and service truck and fuel vehicles and equipment at the start of each workday.
- Drive the service truck (CDL-required vehicle) safely to and from job sites, while the driller operates the drilling rig.
- Assist the driller on site as their primary helper and right hand, performing intensive manual labor to support drilling operations.
- Set up and break down drilling equipment and work areas on residential construction sites and other field locations such as open fields, airports, and similar environments.
- Handle, carry, and organize tools, drill rods, casings, and other materials, including lifting items up to 75 pounds throughout the day.
- Operate and assist with heavy equipment and power tools as directed, following safe operating procedures at all times.
- Perform basic mechanical tasks such as checking fluids, greasing equipment, making minor adjustments, and assisting with repairs, particularly on diesel-powered equipment.
- Use hand tools and basic plumbing-related tools and techniques as needed in support of drilling and site work.
- Work in coordination with the driller to maintain clear communication, follow instructions, and ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality completion of each job.
- Adapt to a variety of construction-related tasks similar to landscaping, general contracting, concrete work, roofing, and other field construction activities as needed.
- Travel daily to job sites that may be located from nearby locations up to approximately two hours away, typically within Central Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
- Complete occasional overnight trips a few times per year when job locations or schedules require extended travel.
- Work 10–12 hour days, typically five days per week, with the workday generally ending between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and later on days when equipment or site issues arise.
- Maintain a clean driving record and drive safely in varying weather and traffic conditions while covering up to approximately 150 miles per day to and from job sites.
- Work effectively outdoors in all weather conditions, including cold winters and hot summers, while maintaining productivity and safety.
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to perform tough physical labor under the direction of a straightforward, high-expectation driller.
- Actively learn the drilling process, site procedures, and equipment controls with the long-term goal of mastering the helper role and progressing toward becoming a driller.
- Follow all safety guidelines, including drug-free work requirements, and support a safe work environment for all crew members.
- Clean driving record suitable for operating CDL-required vehicles.
- 2–3 years of experience in heavy equipment operation or farming, demonstrating comfort with machinery and field work.
- Strong mechanical aptitude, preferably with experience working on diesel engines or similar equipment.
- Ability to perform physically demanding labor, including lifting up to 75 pounds repeatedly throughout the workday.
- Ability and willingness to work 10–12 hour days, typically five days per week, in a field-based role.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including cold winters and hot summers.
- Ability to travel daily to job sites, with approximately 90% of work being local and home each night while traveling up to about 150 miles per day.
- Willingness and ability to pass required drug screening.
- Experience using hand tools and power tools safely and effectively in a construction, agricultural, or mechanical setting.
- Comfort working in environments such as residential construction sites, open fields, airports, and similar outdoor locations.
- Strong teamwork, communication skills, and willingness to take direction from an experienced driller.
- Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic suited to tough, labor-intensive field work.
- Heavy equipment operator experience, such as operating loaders, skid steers, tractors, or similar machinery.
- Farming or farm hand experience, including agricultural equipment operation and mechanical maintenance.
- Construction experience, including landscaping, general contracting, concrete finishing, roofing, or other field construction work.
- Welding experience or familiarity with basic welding tasks.
- Mechanical skills related to diesel engines, hydraulic systems, or field equipment repair.
- Experience in field construction or infrastructure projects, including work on large outdoor sites.
- Comfort working on or near specialized sites such as airports or similar facilities, when required.
- Interest in learning geotechnical drilling and progressing from helper to driller over time.
- CDL or ability to obtain and maintain a CDL, as required for operating the rig and service truck.
You join a field-focused team that values hard work, reliability, and hands-on learning while providing clear pathways for growth into more advanced technical roles. The organization offers health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan, supporting both your long-term financial security and your day-to-day well-being. You gain steady, year-round work with most nights spent at home, while building in-demand mechanical and field skills in a specialized geotechnical environment.
Work Environment
This is a field-based role with most work performed outdoors in all weather conditions, including cold winters and hot summers. The typical schedule consists of 10–12 hour days, about five days per week, starting early in the morning at the Newburg, PA home base and usually finishing between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with occasional later evenings when equipment or site issues occur. Work is primarily located on residential construction sites, with additional assignments in open fields, airports, and other large outdoor environments across Central Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and Northern Virginia. The role involves daily travel to job sites, often covering up to approximately 150 miles per day, with most nights spent at home and only occasional overnight travel a few times per year. You work closely with an experienced, direct, and high-expectation driller who values strong effort and productivity and will be straightforward about performance. The environment is physically demanding, with frequent lifting, carrying, and handling of tools and materials, as well as regular use of hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment, and diesel-powered machinery. Work attire should be durable and appropriate for outdoor construction and drilling activities in varying weather conditions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Martinsburg, WV.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Martinsburg,WV.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 12, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
Contact Information
Email: qgaskill@aerotek.com
On-Site